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Court Rules
Judge

Judge Chelsa L. Wagner

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

BriefCourt-wide
10 pgs
Pretrial StatementCourt-wide
200 wds

Courtesy Copies

Exhibits

Court-wide

Motion

Court-wide

Opposition Brief

Court-wide
  • At Least 7 Days Prior to Argument
Filters:

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsImportant

Parties will have ten minutes total to argue their motion.

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingMandatory

Text messages, emails, and photos, if being submitted as exhibits, MUST be printed and submitted in accordance with the Rules of Evidence.

File type
Paper
Applies to
  • Exhibits

Document Filing Requirements2 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

The Motion must indicate to the other party that, if they oppose the Motion, they need to file a written response to the Court by Noon on the day prior to the Motions’ Day.

Standard-Operating-Procedures-9-4-25-Wagner · Sep 2025 · p. 3
|Section5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Your email must include (1) the complete motion; (2) your proposed order of court with requested relief, which you must attach separately in Word format; (3) the telephone number of counsel or the Pro Se party; (4) the email addresses of counsel or the Pro Se party.

Document
Motion

Must include

  • Proposed order
Standard-Operating-Procedures-9-4-25-Wagner · Sep 2025 · p. 4
|Section5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All written responses must be emailed to the court at the two listed email addresses.

All written responses shall be sent to the Court via email at bkorinski@alleghenycourts.us and ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us.

Page 3 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

All Housing Court Motions should be filed with the Housing Court Help Desk.

All Housing Court Motions should be filed with the Housing Court Help Desk.

Page 3 | 4. HOUSING COURT

All motions must be emailed to the court on the same day notice is given to the opposing party.

All motions must be emailed to the Court on the same day that notice is being given to the opposing party.

Page 3 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

A copy of the motion must be emailed to the court at the two listed email addresses.

A copy of the motion shall be emailed to the Court at: bkorinski@alleghenycourts.us and ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Motion sign-up must be completed by email, with no exceptions.

Your sign-up of your Motion shall be through email, no exceptions.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Electronic exhibits may be submitted electronically before the proceeding.

Electronic exhibits may be submitted electronically prior to the proceeding.

Page 5 | 6. TRIALS/HEARINGS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

After obtaining a date and time from the Housing Court Help Desk, the motion must be filed with the Department of Court Records.

Once the Housing Court Help Desk gives you a date and time for your motion, file the Motion with the Department of Court Records.

Page 3 | 4. HOUSING COURT

An opposing party must submit a written response explaining its position by noon on the day before the scheduled motions date.

If you are opposing the motion, you must submit a written response explaining your position to bkorinski@alleghenycourts.us and ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us by Noon on the day prior to the scheduled motions date.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Once emailed (unless otherwise noted), this Court will file the original order of court with the Department of Court Records; Attorneys are responsible for filing the original Motion and Responses.

Once emailed (unless otherwise noted), this Court will file the original order of court with the Department of Court Records; Attorneys are responsible for filing the original Motion and Responses.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Emergency motions submitted after noon will not receive a same-day decision or be decided before the end of the next business day, and responses are due by noon the next business day.

Emergency Motions submitted after the noon hour are not eligible for same-day decision and will be not be ruled on prior to the end of the next business day, with responses being due by noon on the next business day.

Page 5 | B. EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Weekday emergency motions submitted before noon may receive same-day decision, and responses are due by 3 p.m. that day.

Emergency Motions submitted weekdays before the noon hour are eligible for same-day decision, with Responses being due by 3 p.m. that day.

Page 5 | B. EMERGENCY MOTIONS

The Court will review consent motions as soon as it is able to do so.

This Court will review any Consent Motions as soon as it is able to do so.

Page 5 | C. CONSENT MOTIONS

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The court will not act on a motion unless it has been served or proper notice has been given to the opposing party.

This Court will not act on any motion that has not been served or given proper notice to the opposing party.

Page 2 | 3. SELF-REPRESENTED PERSONS

Each motion must be served and emailed to all other parties at least seven days before the scheduled motions day, and the motion must notify them of the date on which it will be considered.

All motions must be served upon all other parties at least seven days prior to the scheduled motions day; the motion must notify the other parties of the scheduled date when the motion will be considered by this Court. The motion must also be emailed to other parties at least seven days prior to this Court’s scheduled motions date.

Page 3 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

No oral argument or oral presentation will occur if no written opposition response has been filed by the deadline.

If there is no written response in opposition filed, then there will be no oral argument or oral presentation of the Motion.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Oral argument is the default option for motions, and the judge must grant oral argument to any requesting party.

As to Oral Argument, please note that Oral Argument is the “default” option for all Motions. Judge Wagner is required to give anyone who wants it Oral Argument.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Further replies or responses are not permitted after a motion and response are submitted unless the court grants permission.

Once a Motion and a Response are submitted, further Replies/Responses are not welcome unless permission is granted by the Court.

Page 4 | 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

Chambers Communication Rules

All parties should be copied on emails to the Court. Do not email the court without the other party to your case attached, with the exception of the rare instance that there is no email address accessible online or on the docket. You MUST include the case number in your subject line.

All parties should be copied on emails to the Court. Do not email the court without the other party to your case attached, with the exception of the rare instance that there is no email address accessible online or on the docket. You MUST include the case number in your subject line.

Page 1 | 1. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

After filing, email the filing to wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us; filing alone does not deliver the document to chambers.

All filings should be emailed to wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us after filing. Feel free to copy a clerk as well. We don’t receive a document when you file it. You MUST send it to us.

Page 2 | 2. GENERAL CONDUCT AND INFORMATION FOR ALL CASES

Self-represented litigants must email their name, docket number, cell phone number, and email address to chambers, and all parties appearing before Judge Wagner must submit their email addresses.

Please ensure that the Court has your phone number and email address by emailing your name, docket number and cell phone number to wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us. JUDGE WAGNER REQUIRES ALL PARTIES APPEARING BEFORE HER TO SUBMIT THEIR EMAIL ADDRESSES.

Page 2 | 3. SELF-REPRESENTED PERSONS

Counsel must notify chambers by telephone when submitting an emergency motion.

Concurrent with the submission of an Emergency Motion, counsel must notify chambers by telephone 412.350.0390 of the emergency submission.

Page 5 | B. EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Emergency motions must be emailed to the Court at the listed email addresses and should be submitted only for true emergencies.

Emergency Motions shall be emailed to the Court at the following email address: wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us AND ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us AND bkorinski@alleghenycourts.us. You should only do this for submissions regarding true emergencies.

Page 5 | B. EMERGENCY MOTIONS

For urgent matters not adequately described by email, the law clerk may be contacted by cell phone at 412-760-7848 or by text message, but the cell phone should not be abused.

If you need to speak to the Law Clerk about an urgent matter that does not lend itself to be adequately described in an email, you may call the Law Clerk on his cell phone at 412.760.7848 or send a text message. Don’t abuse the cell phone!

Page 1 | 1. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

Housing Court motion arguments are conducted by telephone on a shared line, and participants must remain silent until their case is called and wait until the pending motion concludes to raise issues.

Motions arguments are conducted by phone. All litigants for all cases use the same phone line. When you get on the line, everyone can hear you. Please stay silent until your case is called. If there is an issue, and your Motion is not currently being heard, please wait until the pending motion is concluded to raise the issue.

Page 3 | 4. HOUSING COURT

Consent motions and proposed orders must be emailed to the Court at the listed address.

Send the Motion and proposed order to the Court at ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us.

Page 5 | C. CONSENT MOTIONS

Use wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us as the first point of contact for scheduling and administrative matters, email ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us for court-procedure questions, or call chambers at 412.350.0390.

The first point of contact is wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us. For questions about court procedure, you may speak to the Judge’s Law Clerk. The best way to do this is to e-mail ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us. In most cases, you will receive a response to your question on the same business day. You may also call chambers at 412.350.0390.

Page 1 | 1. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

Email ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us to ask the judge’s law clerk about court procedure, with a response generally expected on the same business day.

For questions about court procedure, you may speak to the Judge’s Law Clerk. The best way to do this is to e-mail ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us. In most cases, you will receive a response to your question on the same business day.

Page 1 | 1. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

All pro se litigants must visit and become familiar with the court's website before directing inquiries to chambers.

All Pro Se litigants must visit and become familiar with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas website: www.alleghenycourts.us.

Page 3 | 4. HOUSING COURT

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 499 rules apply across Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 193
  • Applies to
    Index of exhibits

    Custodians filing exhibits must include an index identifying each exhibit by the proponent’s number or letter, whether admitted or rejected, and by description or identification.

  • Applies to
    Cover sheet

    The cover sheet must list the complete names of all parties in capital letters, although an appropriate shortened caption may be used when the filing party previously appeared.

  • Applies to
    Pleading
    Must include
    case number

    Every pleading must include both the assigned judge’s suffix and the case docket number.

Service

All 118
  • Applies to
    Writ of certiorari
    Service
    Mail

    The Department of Court Records must mail the writ of certiorari by first-class mail to every party other than the filing party and to the Magisterial District Judge.

  • Service
    Publication

    When notice must be published in a newspaper, an affidavit by the owner, publisher, or designated agent proving publication must be filed before entry of a final order, decree, or judgment.

  • Service
    Publication

    All newspaper-advertised legal notices must also be published in the Pittsburgh Legal Journal.

Filing Timing

All 71
  • Deadline
    5 business days

    After court proceedings conclude, the custodian must file documentary exhibits and specified photographs with the Department of Court Records within five business days unless the court directs otherwise.

  • The custody confirmation complaint is deemed filed when notice of its presentation is given.

  • Deadline
    7 calendar days

    A respondent’s brief must be filed with the Hearing Officer’s Secretary at least seven calendar days before argument.

E-Filing

All 36
  • Applies to
    Motion for judgment on the pleadings

    Local Rule 1034(a)'s judgment-on-the-pleadings procedures do not govern asbestos or special-management cases, class actions, complex cases, or other cases specially assigned to one judge.

  • All legal papers and exhibits must be filed through the DCR electronic filing system available on the DCR website.

  • Applies to
    Petition to strike or open default judgment

    All petitions to strike or open a default judgment or judgment of non-pros must be filed electronically under Local Rule 205.4.

About Judge Chelsa L. Wagner

Chelsa L. Wagner is listed as a current judicial officer of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Civil Division. The court's chambers directory records this officer as Civil Division.

Current assignment

Division or department: Civil Division Chambers: 704 City-County Building Phone: 412.350.0390

Official sources

Common questions about Judge Chelsa L. Wagner's rules

Does Judge Chelsa L. Wagner require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

No oral argument or oral presentation will occur if no written opposition response has been filed by the deadline.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Chelsa L. Wagner?

Judge Chelsa L. Wagner's formatting rule includes file format paper and text messages, emails, and photos submitted as exhibits must be printed and submitted in accordance with the rules of evidence.. Text messages, emails, and photos submitted as exhibits must be printed and comply with the Rules of Evidence.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 6. TRIALS/HEARINGS

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Chelsa L. Wagner?

The rule requires proposed order. The motion email must include the complete motion, a separately attached proposed order in Word format, and counsel or pro se party's telephone and email addresses.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

How may parties contact Judge Chelsa L. Wagner's chambers?

The rule lists email wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us. After filing, email the filing to wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us; filing alone does not deliver the document to chambers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2. GENERAL CONDUCT AND INFORMATION FOR ALL CASES

Is electronic filing required before Judge Chelsa L. Wagner?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All Housing Court Motions should be filed with the Housing Court Help Desk.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 4. HOUSING COURT

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Chelsa L. Wagner?

The rule states a Noon filing cutoff. An opposing party must submit a written response explaining its position by noon on the day before the scheduled motions date.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. REGULAR MOTIONS (Presentation by an Attorney)

What rule applies to service for motion before Judge Chelsa L. Wagner?

Details: recipient: the opposing party. The court will not act on a motion unless it has been served or proper notice has been given to the opposing party.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 3. SELF-REPRESENTED PERSONS
Complete rules summary for Judge Chelsa L. Wagner

Use wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us as the first point of contact for scheduling and administrative matters, email ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us for court-procedure questions, or call chambers at 412.350.0390.

Email ayatsko@alleghenycourts.us to ask the judge’s law clerk about court procedure, with a response generally expected on the same business day.

For urgent matters not adequately described by email, the law clerk may be contacted by cell phone at 412-760-7848 or by text message, but the cell phone should not be abused.

After filing, email the filing to wagnerchambers@alleghenycourts.us; filing alone does not deliver the document to chambers.

The motion email must include the complete motion, a separately attached proposed order in Word format, and counsel or pro se party's telephone and email addresses.

The court will not act on a motion unless it has been served or proper notice has been given to the opposing party.

After obtaining a date and time from the Housing Court Help Desk, the motion must be filed with the Department of Court Records.

Housing Court motion arguments are conducted by telephone on a shared line, and participants must remain silent until their case is called and wait until the pending motion concludes to raise issues.

All Housing Court Motions should be filed with the Housing Court Help Desk.

Self-represented litigants must email their name, docket number, cell phone number, and email address to chambers, and all parties appearing before Judge Wagner must submit their email addresses.

All motions must be emailed to the court on the same day notice is given to the opposing party.

Each motion must be served and emailed to all other parties at least seven days before the scheduled motions day, and the motion must notify them of the date on which it will be considered.

The motion must notify the opposing party that any written opposition must be filed with the court by noon on the day before motions day.

All written responses must be emailed to the court at the two listed email addresses.

A copy of the motion must be emailed to the court at the two listed email addresses.

An opposing party must submit a written response explaining its position by noon on the day before the scheduled motions date.

Oral argument is the default option for motions, and the judge must grant oral argument to any requesting party.

Once emailed (unless otherwise noted), this Court will file the original order of court with the Department of Court Records; Attorneys are responsible for filing the original Motion and Responses.

Further replies or responses are not permitted after a motion and response are submitted unless the court grants permission.

Emergency motions must be emailed to the Court at the listed email addresses and should be submitted only for true emergencies.

Motion sign-up must be completed by email, with no exceptions.

Counsel must notify chambers by telephone when submitting an emergency motion.

Weekday emergency motions submitted before noon may receive same-day decision, and responses are due by 3 p.m. that day.

Emergency motions submitted after noon will not receive a same-day decision or be decided before the end of the next business day, and responses are due by noon the next business day.

The Court will review consent motions as soon as it is able to do so.

Electronic exhibits may be submitted electronically before the proceeding.

Text messages, emails, and photos submitted as exhibits must be printed and comply with the Rules of Evidence.

All parties should be copied on emails to the Court. Do not email the court without the other party to your case attached, with the exception of the rare instance that there is no email address accessible online or on the docket. You MUST include the case number in your subject line.

No oral argument or oral presentation will occur if no written opposition response has been filed by the deadline.

Each party has a total of ten minutes to argue its motion.

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